IRAN ART EXHIBITION: WHAT IS RASHTIDOOZI OR CROCHETING ON FABRIC?
Rashtidoozi is a type of traditional Iranian crochet where cloth is decorated with colourful silk thread. Crocheting on fabric (Rashti-doozi) is an original art of women in north of Iran which is decorating broadcloth by sewing patterns on it with natural dyed silk thread using a hook.
Rashtidoozi, literally meaning “Rashti-style crochet”, is an old art originally practiced in the northern Iranian city of Rasht. The art has its roots in ancient history and is still alive.
It is one of the most ancient handicrafts of the city of Rasht and has been registered on the National Intangible Heritage list. Rashti-style crochet works are mostly produced by women and used to decorate curtains, hats, clothes, tablecloth, bedspread, etc.
Rashtidoozi products are usually decorated with fixed patterns which have been used since old times, though some more modern and creative patterns are used as well.
There is no precise recorded history of Rashtidoozi, but some handicrafts experts believe the art has an ancient history and dates back to the Achaemenid era.
IRAN ART EXHIBITION: Crocheting on fabric (Rashti-doozi) is an original art of women in north of Iran which is decorating broadcloth by sewing patterns on it with natural dyed silk thread using a hook.
Crochet patterns include:
1-patterns taken from old plans
2- New creative patterns that are matched with embriodery art
3- Old patterns of leaves, flowers and stems
4- Geometric patterns
5- Impromptu patterns depending on artist’s taste
In north of Iran, creating patterns of crochet is usually subjective based on the artist’s taste and is passed on from one generation to the other.